Once upon a time, streetwear was the underdog of fashion — baggy hoodies, oversized tees, and tracksuit bottoms were reserved for Sunday errands or the school run. Now? They’re front row at Fashion Week material. And if there’s one brand riding that wave better than most, it’s Essentials.
From airport ‘fits to TikTok hauls, Essentials clothing has carved its own lane — comfy yet chic, understated yet statement-making. Let’s unpack how it’s worn, who’s wearing it, and why you might just need a piece (or three).
The Rise of Essentials: Minimalism Meets Hype
Founded by Jerry Lorenzo as a sub-label of Fear of God, Essentials is all about quiet confidence. Think clean lines, earthy neutrals, and oversized silhouettes that feel like a warm hug — without looking like you rolled out of bed.
The magic? It’s designed to be unisex, seasonless, and easy to style, which makes it the go-to for Gen Z, fashion influencers, and, yes, even your minimalist mate who “doesn’t do trends” but somehow always looks good.
Celebrity Stamp of Approval
When Justin Bieber is spotted in something, you know it’s about to go mainstream. Essentials has had more than a few A-list moments — from Hailey Bieber’s off-duty joggers-and-crop-top combos to Kanye West layering an oversized hoodie under a puffer.
Actors, athletes, and musicians — from Zendaya to Kevin Hart — have all been caught rocking Essentials. Even K-pop idols have been spotted in the signature muted sweat sets, proving the label’s global pull.
And here’s the kicker: these aren’t red carpet looks. They’re airport outfits, coffee runs, and behind-the-scenes snaps. Essentials thrives in the in-between moments, and that’s exactly where streetwear lives best.
How to Wear Essentials: Style Tips for Every Vibe
1. The Airport Chic
Oversized hoodie, matching sweatpants, chunky trainers, and a baseball cap. Bonus points for a sleek carry-on. Comfort meets paparazzi-proof style.
2. The Coffee Date Minimalist
Pair an Essentials crewneck with straight-leg jeans and loafers. Add a structured crossbody bag and a swipe of red lipstick for contrast.
3. The Gen Z Layer Game
Wear a cropped Essentials sweatshirt over a longline white tee, with baggy cargo trousers and platform Converse. The more relaxed, the better.
4. The “Borrowed from My Boyfriend” Look
Size up in an Essentials hoodie, pair it with biker shorts and gold hoops. Effortlessly cool and Instagram-ready.
Why Gen Z Can’t Get Enough
Gen Z loves clothing that’s low-effort, high-impact — and Essentials nails it. The brand speaks to the generation’s obsession with gender neutrality, sustainability (buy less, wear longer), and pieces that transition from Netflix marathons to brunch.
Plus, Essentials clothing is hyper-aware of social media aesthetics. The neutral palette photographs beautifully, and the bold-yet-minimal branding is instantly recognisable in a feed full of chaos.
Cultural Trends: From Streetwear to Everywhere
Streetwear isn’t just for skaters anymore. Thanks to brands like Essentials, it’s become an everyday uniform that works in almost any context.
- In the UK, Essentials has been spotted in Shoreditch cafés and Manchester gig venues alike.
- In the US, it’s part of the West Coast-meets-urban look — a little sporty, a little luxe.
- In Asia, it’s styled with precision — layered with trench coats in Tokyo or matched with oversized denim in Seoul.
The brand’s gender-neutral approach also resonates with today’s conversations around inclusivity. There’s no “men’s” or “women’s” section in the traditional sense — just clothes that fit how you want them to.
Fashion Hacks: Getting the Most Out of Your Essentials Pieces
1. Size Play is Your Friend
Essentials is designed oversized — but you can play with proportions. Go a size up for extra slouch or size down for a sharper silhouette.
2. Mix High and Low
Pair your Essentials hoodie with tailored trousers or a silk skirt. The clash of casual and luxury is very streetwear 2025.
3. Neutral Palette Power
Because Essentials colours are muted, they layer effortlessly. Don’t be afraid to double (or triple) up on beige, greys, or off-whites.
4. Smart Storage
Keep your Essentials pieces folded rather than hung to preserve that just-right drape — and yes, this matters if you want to keep it looking premium.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of Essentials’ biggest strengths is its ability to skip traditional fashion binaries. An oversized hoodie looks just as good on your brother as it does on your best friend, and the same sweatshirt can serve completely different vibes depending on styling.
This opens the door to shared wardrobes, thrifted finds, and a more sustainable approach to fashion — something Gen Z and Millennials are both rallying behind.
Final Thoughts: Why Essentials Isn’t Just a Trend
The real genius of Essentials clothing is that it doesn’t scream for attention, yet it always gets noticed. It’s timeless streetwear — the sort you can throw on without overthinking and still look like you stepped out of a lookbook.
In a world where fashion moves at TikTok speed, that kind of staying power is rare. Essentials isn’t just having a moment; it’s building a legacy — one hoodie at a time.